Invalid walker



July 9, 1968 M. T. WEISSMAN INVALID WALKER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 F' led Jan 27, 1965 FIG. 4

FIG. 3

lnvenfor Moll/e 7. We/ssman Wu S. 5

July 9, 1968 M. T. WEISSMAN 3,391,930

INVALID WALKER Filed Jan. 27, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent 3,391,930 INVALID WALKER Mollie T. Weissman, 1844 N. Humboldt Blvd, Chicago, Ill. 60647 Filed Jan. 27, 1955, Ser. No. 428,496 Ciaims. (Ci. 272-763) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A mobile invalid walker including a frame open to the rear, front and rear pairs of rollers rollably supporting the frame, upstanding support members secured to opposite sides of the frame having short, forwardly facing arcuate handle portions disposed at the top thereof, strut members secured to the frame and disposed angularly toward the rear of the frame, the ends of the arcuate portions of the support members being secured to the strut members, a crossbar disposed laterally and vertically adjacent to and linking the arcuate portions of the support members, and high friction sleeve-like means of substantial length surrounding a portion of the bottom of the frame sides for providing resistance to sliding when a curb-like element is bridged by the frame sides.

This invention relates to a mobile invalid walker that is especially useful for individual learning to walk again following an injury or illness and is also generally useful as a walking aid for invalids.

Numerous mechanical walkers or walking aids have been devised for assisting invalids to walk or learn to walk again following an injury or illness. However, the prior walkers suffer from various disadvantages. The large bulky types are substantially limited to institutional use, they frequently require the assistance of attendants, and they are expensive. The small portable types have limited value in teaching the more difiicult cases to walk. Various ones of the devices are disadvantageous in one or more of the following respects: not well suited to relearning the walking process; difficult to control; excessively confining; not adaptable to the circumstances encountered in use on the street and in stores and other buildings; psychologically unattractive to the invalid; not readily transported from place to place; and costly. Con sequently, many invalids remain confined to wheelchairs for the most part or otherwise do not practice walking suhiciently or in a proper manner, so that their recovery is impeded.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a walker with which an invalid can learn to walk more readily, with greater confidence, and with less assistance, thus facilitating a faster and more complete recovery. An accompanying object is to provide a walker useful in the rehabilitation of persons suffering from various injuries and diseases, notably including persons suffering from spinal injuries, stroke convalescents, and arthritic persons, among others.

A particular object is to provide a walker which furnishes rigid mobile cane supports and dis cases with crutch supports.

Another object is to provide a walker which has a maximum of adaptability to the various situations encountered, giving the invalid more freedom, resu ting in more walking exercise, promoting a better mental attitude, and, consequently, contributing to a speedier and more complete recovery.

An additional object is to provide a walker which is sturdy and very stable in use, yet which is small, compact, and lightweight and therefore easy to handle and manipulate. An accompanying object is to provide a walker which is more attractive and less conspicuous, so that the invalid is not so self conscious when using the walker.

A further object is to provide a walker which is constructed simply and economically and therefore may be made available to a greater number of persons.

These and other objects, advantages and funct ons of the invention will be apparent on reference to the specification and to the attached drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein like parts are identified by like reference symbols in each of the views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the new walker;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view thereof;

FiG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 3 of a second embodiment of the new walker;

FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. the new walker;

FIGS. 7-10 are further enlarged detail cross sectional views of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, taken respectively on line 77 of FIG. 4 and lines 88, 99, and 1G1i1 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 11 is a similarly enlarged detail cross sectional View of the embodiment of FIG. 5, taken on line 11-11 thereof.

Referring to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-4, and 710, an invalid walker 10 constructed according to the invention includes a three-sided one piece tubular horizontal base frame 12 open at the rear thereof. The frame is U-shaped and includes two spaced parallel straight lateral sides 14 and 16, integral inturned 90 degree bends 18 at the respective front ends of the sides, and an integral transverse front side or crosspiece 22 substantially perpendicular to the lateral sides. The rear ends of the tubular lateral sides are closed by plugs or caps 23.

Front and rear pairs of transversely spaced apart rollers 24 and 26, res ectively, rollably support the frame. The front rollers 24 are mounted on the front side 22 at the opposite ends thereof, and the rear rollers 26 are mounted on the respective lateral sides 14 and 16 at the rear ends thereof. The front rollers 24 are swivelly mounted for omnidirectional roller movement, and the rear rollers 26 are fixedly mounted for unidirectional movement, forwardly and rearwardly.

Referring to FIG. 7, each of the front rollers 24 constitutes a small wheel rotatably mounted on a center pin 28 in turn secured to the swivel frame 30 of a conventional caster. A bolt 32 extends through the top of the swivel frame, and races 34 and 36 having ball bearings 38 therein are secured to the bolt on opposite surfaces of the frame for swivelly mounting the frame on the bolt. Aligned upper and lower areas 40 and 42 of the front side 22 are flattened, and the bolt 32 extends through corresponding aligned openings therethrough. The bolt is secured to the side by a nut 44, to secure the caster on the frame.

Referring to FIG. 9, each of the rear rollers 26 simileriy constitutes a small wheel rotatably mounted on a center pin 46 secured to a fixed frame 48. A bolt 50 extends up through the top of the frame and is fixedly secured thereto. The lateral side 14, and similarly the lateral side 16, is flattened in aligned upper and lower areas, and a flat spacer or Washer 52 is secured to the lower flattened area, by suitable means such as welding or brazing. The bolt 5-3 extends through the spacer and through corresponding openings in the flattened areas, and it is secured to the side by a nut 54.

The preferred forms of the invention embody a one piece bent tubular frame for strength, rigidity, and lightness. The frame is mounted low to the ground, and the rollers are mounted at the front and rear and adjacent 1 of a third embodiment of the lateral sides thereof for stability. The rear rollers 26 preferably are unidirectional while the front rollers 24 are omnidirectional, so that the movements of the walker may be kept under control by the invalid. The rollers preferably are of relatively small size, so that they impart mobility while not rolling too freely. An invalid has difficulty in controlling a freely moving device, and for this reason, such devices in the past have required attendants to assist in maintaining control. The illustrative small casters or the like are well adapted for the purpose, but other rollers may be employed which perform in a similar manner, such as ball rollers. It will be apparent that the rollers may be secured to the frame by other suitable fastening means.

A pair of tubular cane members 56 is mounted upstandingly on the opposite lateral sides 14 and 16 of the frame. Each cane member includes a vertically mounted leg 60 and an integral curved or arcuate handle 62 which extends forwardly. The handle is curved so that it may be gripped snugly by the user, providing a tight grip and furnishing front and back support for the hand. A handle grip 64 preferably is secured around each handle, for comfort and to assist in gripping. The handle grip may be a tubular member or sleeve of rubber or other appropriate material.

Referring to FIG. 10, the lower end 66 of the cane leg 60 is seeated on the lateral side 14, and likewise on the lateral side 16, and the end of the leg is recessed to conform to the curvature of the side. A nut 68 is secured within the leg at the lower end, by suitable means such as welding or brazing. A bolt 70 is inserted through corresponding aligned openings in the side 14, into threaded engagement with the nut, to secure the leg in place. Alternatively, the connection may be made by other suitable conventional means, if desired.

The cane legs 60 are mounted on the lateral sides 14 and 16 at positions such that the cane handles 62 are disposed oif-center to the rear of the sides, to safeguard against pitching forward while maintaining the size of the frame within desirable limits, as subsequently described in more detail. The cane members 56 preferably have a one piece tubular construction, for strength, rigidity, and lightness, similarly to the base frame 12. The cane members may be integral with other parts of the walker, such as illustrated in succeeding embodiments.

An elongated resistance or friction element 72 in the form of a sleeve is mounted on each of the lateral sides 14 and 16 at the base of each leg 60, for a purpose to be de scribed. Each sleeve is provided with appropriate openings for reception of the leg 60 and the bolt 70.

An upstanding frame 74 is mounted on the base frame 12, and the cane members 56 are rigidly connected to the upstanding frame. The upstanding frame is constructed of a single tube bent to provide a pair of spaced parallel upwardly and rearwardly inclined longitudinal strut members or braces 76 and a horizontal front crossbar 78 extending transversely between the strut members generally perpendicular thereto.

Reverse bends 80 are integral with the lower, forward ends of the strut members. The bends terminate in end portions 82 of the upstanding frame, which are formed with a concave side 83 conforming to the adjacent lateral side 14, as seen in FIG. 8. Each end portion is rigidly connected to a lateral side 14 or 16 by a pair of rivets 84. The upstanding frame is spaced rearwardly a short distance from the front side 22 of the base frame.

A pair of inturned bends 86 are integral with the upper ends of the strut members 76 and with the opposite ends of the crossbar 78. The assembly is completed by a pair of rivets 88 which rigidly connect the forwardly directed free ends 90 of the cane handles 62 to the strut members 76 and thus also to the crossbar 78. The inner sides of the handle ends 90 are concave, to conform to the curvature of the strut members 76, similarly to the configiration of the frame and portions 82 as illustrated in FIG. 8. The

strut members impart longitudinal stability and the crossbar imparts lateral stability to the cane members 56.

The cane handles 62 are arranged so that they may be gripped by the user while standing, with his arms extending substantially straight down from the shoulders, and relatively close to the body, for supporting the weight of the body.

The crossbar 78 extends between the cane members 56 a short distance above the cane handles 62 and adjacent thereto for contact with the waist area of the users body. The crossbar serves to assist and safeguard the user in walking by providing support for the waist area of the body when needed, and the crossbar also provides another handhold and support for the users hands and arms which is used in certain cases. The crossbar is curved forwardly to a small extent, corresponding to the curvature of the body and providing a comfortable contacting surface for the body.

In FIG. 5, a walker 100 is illustrated which is constructed in the same manner as the walker 10 in the preceding views, except that a cane member 56a thereof is joined integrally to the upstanding frame 74a thereof, and the mounting structure varies slightly. Like parts of the walker 100 are identified with the same numerals as applied to the walker 10, and similar parts are identified with the same numerals to which the letter a is added.

A forwardly directed bend 102 is integral with the lower end of the leg 60a of the cane member 56a. This bend and the rearwardly directed bend of the upstanding frame 74a are integrally joined by a tubular section 104. The entire superstructure including the cane members 56a, the strut members 76, and the crossbar 78, thus comprises a single bent tube.

The sections 104 are mounted on the lateral sides 14 and 16 of the base frame 12 therealong. As illustrated for the side 14 in FIG. 11, the sections 104 are secured to the base frame sides by rivets 106. A resistance or friction element 108 in the form of an open sleeve or shoe is mounted around each of the sides 14 and 16 intermediate the ends thereof. The resistance elements may be bonded to the sides by a suitable adhesive.

In FIG. 6, a walker 110 is illustrated which is similar to the preceding embodiments. Like parts are identified by the same numerals as applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, and similar parts are identified by the same numerals to which is added the letter b.

In the walker 110, the cane members 56b and the strut members 76b are united in upstanding side frames 112 mounted respectively on the lateral sides 14 and 16. The front ends b of the cane handles 62b are integral with the upper ends of the strut members 76b. The lower ends of the cane members 56b are integral with forwardly directed bends 102 like the bend bearing the same numerals in FIG. 5. In the walker 110, the bends terminate in frame end portions 114. The end portions are curved inwardly adjacent to the lateral sides 14 and 16 and secured thereto by rivets 116, in a manner similar to the structure illustrated in FIG. 8. The strut members 76b terminate at their lower ends in bends 80 and frame end portions 82 secured to the base frame lateral sides by rivets 84, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. A resistance element 117 like the element 108 in FIG. 5 is mounted on each of the sides 14 and 16.

A connecting frame 118 is rigidly secured to the cane members 56b and the strut members 76b at their upper ends and extends transversely therebetween. The connecting frame includes the front crossbar 78 and the bends 86 of the preceding embodiments. The connecting frame terminates in end portions 120 mounted on the front ends 90b of the cane handles 62b. The frame end portions are concave on their inner surfaces and are connected to the cane handle ends 90b by rivets 122, in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 8.

The several walkers 10, and may be used in the same manner. Accordingly, their use will be described with specific reference to the embodiment of FIGS. l-4.

While the particular manner of use will vary with the type of injury or disease from which the invalid is convalescing or from which he suffers, the invalid will in each case enter the walker from the open rear, between the lateral sides 14 and 16, and his feet will move in and out of the base frame as he walks. An individual suffering from a spinal injury firmly grasps the handles 62 around the grips 64. The curved cane handles may be gripped very firmly and without room for forward or backward movement, so that the individual securely holds himself in the proper position, and he feels very secure. A recommended method of learning to walk is by a process similar to that by which toy walking dolls are made to walk. With his arms substantially straight down to the cane handles, and relatively close to the body, the individual raises his shoulders so as to remove part of the weight of the upper body from the spine, thus removing some of the pressure and easing the pain. At the same time, part of the weight of the body is removed from the feet. The individual may lean forward and push With one foot while removing the other foot from the ground. The walker moves forward on the rollers, and by leaning forward, the loose foot and leg swing forward to take a step. The procedure is repeated with the forward foot while the rear foot swings forward, and so on as the invalid walks. The invalid learns to walk in a proper manner in this way, rather than merely taking intermittent steps or shuffling his feet. At times, the Waist portion of the body contacts the crossbar 78, and the crossbar prevents excessive forward movement and provides a surface against which the body may lean. The crossbar also contributes to the feeling of security.

Individuals suffering from arm infirmities, such as stroke patients and arthritics, may use the walker in other ways. For example, the hand of a healthy arm may grip one cane handle 62, while the other hand or arm, suffering from an infirmity, may grip or may be placed on the front crossbar 78, which is at a suitable elevation for this purpose as well. In other cases, both hands or arms may be placed on the crossbar.

The walker is very well adapted for use under various circumstances and for transporting it from place to place. The individual may walk out of doors on the sidewalks and across street intersections while avoiding obstacles. The walker is very light, so that it may be lifted partly or completely. When a curb or step is reached, the stronger individual may lift the walker up or down over the curb or step, and then step into the walker for proceeding. When stepping down off a curb, the rear ends of the sides 14 and 16 may be butted up against the curb. Alternatively, and with weaker individuals, the front part of the walker may be slid over the curb onto the street first, and after moving the body, the remainder of the walker may be brought down to the street. The resistance elements 72, 108 and 117 prevent the low friction lateral sides .14 and 16 of the base frame from sliding excessively on a curb when bridging or straddling the curb. Similarly, other suitable resistance means may be interposed between the lateral sides 14 and 16 and the curb. Operations of the foregoing type are facilitated not only by the light weight of the walker but also by its relatively short length.

The walker is adapted for use in entering stores and other buildings and for taking it from place to place in various means of transportation. The size of the walker is such that it may pass through revolving doors. It may be transported in an automobile. One manner of placing it in an automobile is to turn the walker on one side, insert the rear ends of the lateral sides 14 and 16 through the car door, and then insert the remainder of the walker into the automobile.

The structure of the walker and the relatively low center of gravity provided thereby render the walker safe and reliable in use. The rollers 24 and 26 are spaced apart longitudinally and transversely to provide an ample support base. The handles 62 are disposed to the rear of center, so as to prevent the walker from tilting forwardly to any appreciable extent should obstructions be encountered that stop the forward movement of the front rollers 24. The rollers are easily lifted over such obstacles. The walker is rigidly constructed to prevent longitudinal or transverse movement of the cane members.

It is presently preferred to manufacture the Walker in a selection of sizes for use by individuals of correspondingly different sizes. While structure might be provided for rendering the Walker vertically and horizontally adjustable, such as has been provided in prior walkers, the adjustment means is likely to require some sacrifice of rigidity, increase the Weight of the walker, and increase the cost of construction and the expense to the user.

As an example, illustrative materials and dimensions are given for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, constructed for use by a woman about 5'2" tall and of medium build. The base frame 12, the upstanding frame 74, and the cane members 56 may be constructed of 1 inch diameter aluminum alloy tubing, to provide a very light, strong construction. Alternatively, steel tubing may be employed, and the diameter of the tubing may be varied, so long as strength, rigidity, and durability are maintained. The handle grips 64 may be made of rubber or other suitable gripping material. The resistance elements 72 may be made of rubber or other relatively high friction material as compared to the tubing. The rollers 24 and 26 may have a diameter of 2 inches and a width of inch, and the casters or other roller mounts may support the base frame 12 about 2 /2 inches off of the ground.

The length of the walker, from the front side 22 to rear ends of the lateral sides 14 and 16 may be about 23 inches, with the front and rear rollers 24 and 26 longitudinally spaced apart about thesame distance. The width of the Walker, from one lateral side 14 to the other lateral side 16, may be about 18 inches, with the rear rollers 26 spaced apart transversely about the same distance. The front rollers 24 may be spaced apart about 15 inches.

The cane leg 60 may be mounted about 16- inches from the front of the base frame 22. It will be understood, however, that while the illustrative leg is vertical, it might be inclined downwardly and to the rear. The handle 62 may be constructed on about a 2 inch radius.

The strut members 76 may extend upwardly and rear wardly at an angle of about 65 degrees from the lateral sides 14 and .16, which are normally horizontal. The lower bends on the strut members may have radii of about 3 inches, and the frame end portions 82 may be located so that the projected axes of the strut members 76 are approximately tangent to the rear of the front side 22. The cane members 56 may extend about 29 /2 inches above the lateral sides 14 and 16, and the upstanding frame 74 may extend about 31 /2 inches thereabove, so that the crossbar 78 extends about 2 inches above the cane handle 62.

The invention thus provides a very useful and versatile walker with which an invalid may learn to walk again and which may also serve as a walking aid. The invalids recovery is accelerated and the need for assistance is reduced. The walker is exceedingly simple lightweight, strong, durable, and inexpensive. It may be used in quantity by institutions and may be made readily available to individuals. The walker is used with confidence and without the self conscious feeling imparted by prior devices, so that greater and more effective use is made of the walker and recovery is thereby accelerated.

I claim:

1. An invalid walker which comprises a frame open to the rear, front and rear pairs of rollers rollably supporting said frame, upstanding support members secured to opposite sides of said frame having short, forwardly facing arcuate handle portions disposed at the top thereof, strut members secured to said frame and disposed angularly toward the rear of said frame, the ends of the arcuate portions of said support members being secured to said strut members, and a crossbar disposed laterally and vertically adjacent to and linking the arcuate portions of said support members.

2. A walker as defined in claim 1 including high friction sleeve-like means of substantial length surrounding a portion of the bottom of the frame sides for providing resistance to sliding when a curb-like element is bridged by the frame sides.

3. A walker as defined in claim 1 including means mounting said front rollers on said frame for onmidirectional roller movement, and means mounting said rear rollers on said frame for unidirectional roller movement.

4. A walker as defined in claim 1 wherein said crossbar is disposed above the arcuate handle portions of said support members.

5. An invalid walker which comprises a frame open to the rear, front and rear pairs of rollers rollably support- 20 ing said frame, upstanding support members secured to opposite sides of said frame having short arcuate handle portions disposed at the top thereof, a crossbar disposed laterally and vertically adjacent to and linking the arcuate portions of said support members, and high friction sleeve-like means of substantial length surrounding a portion of the bottom of the frame sides for providing resistance to sliding when a curb-like element is bridged by the frame sides.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,273,888 9/1966 Burns 27270.4

FOREIGN PATENTS 485,819 11/1916 France. 1,330,189 5/ 1963 France.

321,317 4/ 1957 Switzerland.

ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner.

M. R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner. 

